Things to do in Bradenton, FL

Bradenton is one of the Florida cities full of colorful attractions, historic landmarks, and exclusive outdoor activities. Located on the banks of the Manatee River, south of Tampa; this city is home to a number of aquatic activities and is a renowned stop-off point for those visiting South Florida. As a vibrant art community with a rich maritime history, Bradenton has a lot to offer from the DeSoto National park, Cortez fishing village to the Manatee Village historical park.

If you’re looking forward to visiting Bradenton city or you’re already in its neighborhood and wondering how you’re going to start off your adventure, we’ve got you covered. Here is how you can discover the city for yourself with some of the best things to do in Bradenton, Florida.

1. Visit the Village of the Arts

The Village of the Arts is a popular artistic hub located in the heart of Bradenton, it features an array of specialty shops, galleries, studios, and bakeries. The restored 1900s bungalows and the eclectic assortment of fashion, art, music, literature, and jewelry make this place an artistic haven you can’t afford to miss. The Village is open seven days in a week and some of the popular art walks take place every first Friday night & Saturday afternoon of every month. Here, you get to enjoy live music, indie art, street food, and lively interactions.

2. Visit the nearby beaches and watersports

Bradenton is surrounded by a vast stretch of beaches, rivers, and waterways including Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the main attractions include the family-friendly Bradenton Beach & Coquina beach on Anna Maria Island. The latter is a surfer’s haven that offers a wide stretch of soft sand, a fishing pier, gentle playground and of course, warm gulf waters.

3. Enjoy Horseback riding on the beach

If you want to experience the best of horseback riding on the beach and in the waters, all you need to do is book the services in advance from a reliable company. Some of the companies offering horseback riding services include the Great World Adventures and the Beachhorses.com. These beaches aren’t only limited to horse riding. The Riverwalk, for example, offers a nice stretching beach, waterfront restaurants, ocean views, and shops. Once you’re done with the waters, you can organize with your guide to visit the forested areas within to the Manatee State Park and enjoy horseback riding in the woods.

4. Go golfing in Lakewood ranch

If you like golf and enjoy wildlife watching, this could be a perfect opportunity for you to visit the planned community of Lakewood Ranch, located between Bradenton and Sarasota. This place offers more than just fine homes and exquisite golf courses. Great restaurants, theatres, galleries, and breweries are also found in the area just in case you feel like exploring the neighborhoods.

If you’re not into playing the real golf, you can flex the muscles with the miniature golf while keeping your entire family entertained. The Fishhole Miniature Golf in Lakewood Ranch offers a pond with koi fish that’ll pique your attention and that of your kids as you count the strokes and take on the mini-swing drills.

5. Visit the breweries in South Bradenton

The Sarasota- Bradenton-Venice area has some of the best breweries that offer standout beers and diverse taproom options with a blend of culinary and dining experience. If you’re looking for the best craft beers to show your family in town for the Thanksgiving weekend, you’ll never run out of options. 3 keys Brewing and Eatery (http://www.3keysbrewing.com ), for example, offers one of the best taproom experience from 11 a.m to 10 pm on Sunday- Thursday and from 11.am to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Some of the main attractions include the long and lively picnic tables, foosball setup and the massive Jenga Set. The other breweries in the area as Calusa Brewing and the Big Top Brewing Company.

Apart from enjoying the tasty bottles of Florida craft beers, dishes such as shrimp & grits, chicken & waffles as well as burgers and sandwiches won’t miss in the kitchen’s menu. Most breweries often host weekly events with live music and trivia nights; so you’ll make use of the spacious interior as you unleash the 90s’ dancing styles.

Conclusion

Fun and learning are the two aspects of a day well-spent in Bradenton. If you’re outgoing enough, you’ll love nearly everything about this area. The scenic places and activities listed above are just but a few of the best things, this city has to offer.